Los viejos

Fernando Ubiergo's song 'Los viejos' paints a touching and melancholic portrait of the elderly, capturing their daily lives and inner emotions with profound sensitivity. The lyrics describe the elderly as 'children ashamed,' who return to the plaza to seek the sun and entertain pigeons, symbolizing their search for warmth and companionship in a world that often moves too fast for them. This imagery evokes a sense of nostalgia and the passage of time, highlighting how the elderly find solace in simple, familiar routines while life continues around them.

The song delves deeper into the emotional landscape of the elderly, portraying them as individuals who are acutely aware of their mortality. They 'meditate on the coming winter,' a metaphor for the end of life, and deliberately slow their pace to avoid being a burden. This reflects their fear of being forgotten or overlooked, as well as their desire to maintain dignity and independence. The line 'they know that life is not so long and look at the future backward' poignantly captures their retrospective view of life, filled with memories and a sense of impending finality.

Ubiergo also touches on the societal neglect of the elderly, describing them as 'transparent silhouettes' with 'absent gazes,' who are often relegated to the margins. They hold onto 'yellowed papers' with commitments that time has rendered obsolete, and they queue for the meager support that the nation begrudgingly offers. This critique of societal attitudes towards the elderly underscores the song's message about the need for compassion and respect for those who have lived long lives. 'Los viejos' is a heartfelt reminder of the value and wisdom of the elderly, urging listeners to appreciate and honor them before it's too late.